2017 – the year of virtual reality

2017-03-13

“Why have reality when you can have virtual reality?” - Until recently, such a saying might have seemed like a joke, but it may soon become something as common as smart phones, cloud technology or wireless internet. Information technology experts say that 2017 will deserve to be called the year of virtual reality because countless people around the world will all try virtual reality headsets.

According to ACME Europe Product Development division head Ignas Rumbutis, virtual reality headsets were presented to the public in detail this year. “Smart phone producers' perspective on the virtual reality headset market as a trend and the adaptation of smart phones to this technology shows that, in 2017, even more people will try out and acquire virtual reality headsets. It is predicted that virtual reality headsets will become a widely used product in 2018. Smart phone manufacturers like LG, Samsung, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Google and others have already released phones that have virtual reality accessories,” said the smart technology expert.

The predictions that the Deloitte international audit and consultation company made in 2016 for the virtual reality market only confirm Ignas Rumbutis' insights. They wrote that about 3 million virtual reality headsets and 10 million copies of virtual reality games should be sold this year. The experts at Deloitte predict that, by the end of the year, the virtual reality market should reach a billion dollars.

According to Ignas Rumbutis, virtual reality users currently face certain challenges. First of all, there is still a lack of quality content that can be watched using virtual reality headsets. This is because of the still-high prices of cameras that can record 360-degree video. “The headsets themselves are also still a bit too expensive to be accessible for many,” said the ACME Europe Product Development division head as he shared his insights.

Simulations of a nuclear reactor explosion and a virtual tour through buildings that are still being completed

When asked to elaborate on virtual reality headsets and their applications in everyday life, Ignas Rumbutis emphasised that the aforementioned technology is already being used by various industries. “Real estate agents are giving virtual reality headsets to their clients as they walk through recently built structures so they can imagine how the furniture can be laid out and how the interior will look. Museums, shopping centres and even cities are all organising virtual reality tours. Some joke that soon, when you want to travel, you won't need tickets – all you'll need to do is put on a virtual reality headset. Films are being shot that have been adapted to these headsets and will allow viewers to feel like they are participating in the action themselves. This technology is quickly being embraced by game makers. It is also being used for various simulations, including nuclear reactor explosions, medical patients or military exercises,” said the smart technology expert, explaining the opportunities for using virtual reality headsets.

Virtual reality video quality depends on the phone's screen

When discussing the devices themselves, it's important to note that the market currently separates them into two primary categories: mobile headsets and those that connect to a computer. “The video quality of mobile virtual reality headsets that you put a smartphone into will depend on the parameters of the phone's screen. If they are insufficient, then even when watching quality content, the user will see dots on the screen and the image will be blurry and faded. However, virtual reality headsets that work by being connected to a computer have integrated screens, processors and video systems, so only the quality of the content will determine how good the image is,” said the ACME Europe Product Development division head.

When trying out virtual reality technology, first impressions are key

Ignas Rumbutis revealed that the ACME Europe team, due to the development of its selection of devices and in response to trends, provides the opportunity to try virtual reality headsets for an approachable price. “Our goal is to bring devices to Lithuania that would let anyone use the latest technologies. For example, ACME brand virtual reality headsets cost about 20 Euros. We perfected the device so that it would fit phones of various sizes with screens from 4 to 6 inches. We've ensured that your phone won't be scratched and will remain safely protected by our virtual reality headset. People often grow disappointed with the technology when they can't find quality content to watch. Because we know this and cooperate with our partners, we also provide the opportunity to access truly high-quality virtual reality games for 14 days,” explained Ignas Rumbutis, adding that the user's first impression was very important when trying this new technology.

Therefore, only time will tell whether virtual reality will indeed soon replace reality. Of course, interest in virtual reality headsets and their technology is currently growing non-stop.